NORTH SALT LAKE – It’s not often that office space gets repurposed as a medical clinic for a company’s employees.

That’s exactly what has happened at Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc., in North Salt Lake. The locally-based firm with international clientele opened a clinic for its staff last week.

CEO KC Ericksen’s father first suggested a medical clinic for the firm’s employees in the 1980s, he said.

“Not until now did we feel we could really do that,” Ericksen said. “This will improve the lives of our associates. For those on the production floor, it’s a big, big thing.”

“We’ve always tried to offer a great insurance plan, but we experienced huge premium cost increases,” said David Beck, president. “That was the genesis for the idea Рnot only to control costs, but to improve the lives of our associates with an on-site clinic.”

The clinic was built for less than $200,00 and will be staffed by a physician’s assistant and medical assistant. It will be open six hours a day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, said spokesperson and director of human resources Jamie Nagle.

“Some people haven’t had good access to health care. This is to address the issues we’re all facing,” said Dr. Diana Milavetz, who was instrumental in creating the clinic.

North Salt Lake Mayor Len Arave said the clinic is indicative of the firm’s creativity.

“This is a big, big deal,” said Davis Chamber President Jim Smith. “Orbit is a global company, but still focused on what they’re doing here locally.

“This one thing can make a huge difference,” he said. “You’re doing the right thing.”